Manager hopefuls get all A's

Published 4:00 am, Saturday, November 4, 1995

The A's were looking down a long tunnel a month ago, when they faced the possibility Tony La Russa might be leaving. But after the first round of interviews they're singing to themselves.

"The thought of replacing someone like (La Russa) can become overwhelming," assistant general manager Billy Beane said. "But we've been encouraged, not only by the two interviews (Thursday), but also the two minor-league interviews. It's kind of energized us."

Lefebvre, contacted at his Arizona home, said he and the A's "discussed where the team stands, the direction they want the club to go in, the ways to handle a younger team versus an older team, and personnel questions. I came out of there feeling pretty good. Whether I get the job or not, I felt like I said what I have to say.

"I really like the direction the club is going. You've got to get young kids out there to start making changes. Take a look at the Atlanta Braves - people forget they struggled with those young kids, the Glavines and Averys and Justices, to the tune of 100 losses, before they wound up being world champions. Cleveland had 100 losses, too, and now they're American League champions."

Lefebvre doesn't expect to hear from the A's again until next week, when the team calls candidates back for second interviews. Being included in the company of managers such as Showalter is a compliment, Lefebvre said, "But I don't think it really changes things."

Showalter, a candidate with the Tigers and the Arizona Diamondbacks as well as the A's, will likely ask a higher salary than other candidates - his replacement in New York, Joe Torre, signed a two-year deal for $1.05 million. Lefebvre said salary "is something I haven't even thought about."

Although he's in competition with Lansford, Lefebvre said, "I think the world of Carney and wish everybody the best of luck. If, in fact, I get the job, I'd love to have him on my staff."

"I'm kind of playing it by ear, see what happens," said Lansford, who turned down an offer to join La Russa in St. Louis.

"It would've been a great opportunity with Tony," he said, "but the thing is, my kids are so young, to take them out of school now and move everybody back there . . . we're kind of settled here. Oakland works out so well for me right now."

If he's chosen manager, Lansford knows he'll be working with a very young team. "It's completely different from the situation I've been used to the last eight, nine, 10 years, when we had a lot of veterans. The biggest key with younger players is to keep them motivated, get the best out of them every day."

Interviews lasted up to an hour and a half and each candidate expressed a willingness to work with young players, including Lopes - the only early candidate from outside of the organization. Beane said, "The guy's been a winner, managed in the fall league, had extensive experience as a coach, has a real strong background in the American League and has got an aura of respect around him."

Now Playing:

Showalter will meet with Beane and A's general manager Sandy Alderson Saturday in San Diego, where Beane will stay until Monday to interview for the job of Padres general manager. San Diego lost GM Randy Smith to Detroit and asked the A's for permission to talk to Beane. It was granted Friday.

"I'm just going to go through the interview process," said Beane, who has been A's assistant GM since July of 1993. "It's something I'm interested in exploring, but I'm very happy here, excited about the short-term and long-term prospects here, which makes it difficult to consider the interview." &lt;

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